High Court
Madras High Court
Chennai
The Madras High Court is one of India's oldest High Courts, established in 1862. It has jurisdiction over the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
441+
News & Updates Published
Order
Can Citizens Be Blamed for Acting on Their Own When Official Machinery Fails?: Madras High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, on October 9, 2026, intervened in a case involving villagers from Ammapatti and Nagappanpatti in Sivagangai district, who opposed road construction linked to a solar power project operated by a commercial entity known as Kwality Shutters. The company had installed solar…
Order
Appointment of Tamil Nadu Director of Legal Studies Stayed for Six Weeks Over Promotion Rules: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has stayed for six weeks the Tamil Nadu Government’s order temporarily promoting Dr. Gowri Ramesh as Director of Legal Studies at Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University. Justice Mummineni Sudheer Kumar passed the interim order on October 1, 2026, in W.P. No. 40231 of 2026. The petition was filed…
Judgment
Mother Granted Permanent Custody of Daughter, Permitted to Take Child to Canada: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has granted a mother permanent custody and guardianship of her minor child and permitted her to take the child to Canada, where she lives and works. Justice P.B. Balaji passed the order on October 7, 2026, in O.P. No. 209 of 2025. The mother and father had separated following the dissolution of…
Order
FCRA Registration Plea Rejected After Zen Trust Failed to Disclose Its Religious Nature: Madras High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed CMA(MD) No. 1057 of 2026, filed by Kanzeon Public Charitable Trust, Montessori School, Perumalmalai, Kodaikanal, against the Union of India. The Trust, founded in 2021 and registered under Sections 12AB and 80G of the Income Tax Act, had sought registration…
Order
Unsubstantiated Allegations and Childlessness Alone Cannot Establish Matrimonial Cruelty, Divorce Denied: Madras High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed a husband’s appeal seeking divorce on the ground of cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia), Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The judgment was delivered on 30.09.2026 by a Bench comprising Justice G.R. Swaminathan and Justice M.D. Sumathi. The couple married on 18.06.2007 at…
Judgment
Refuses to Recall Microplastics Labelling Order, Holds Disclosure in Packaged Water, Sugar and Salt Is Not Premature: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has refused to review or recall its 06.02.2026 order directing labelling disclosures for plastic/PET bottled drinking water, sugar and salt. The ruling was delivered on 28.09.2026 by a Bench comprising Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy. The review application was filed…
Order
Woman Owning ₹1.7 Crore Flat and Luxury Cars Awarded ₹1 Lakh Monthly Maintenance, Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a criminal revision challenging a maintenance order passed by the VI Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Chennai. The case arose from a dispute between a man and a woman who said they had married on 20.01.2020 at a temple at Uthiramerur and later lived together. The woman said…
Order
Everyday Matrimonial Disputes and Family Friction Alone Cannot Establish Cruelty or Desertion for Divorce: Madras High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed two appeals filed by a husband challenging a Family Court order that rejected his divorce petition and allowed his wife’s plea for restitution of conjugal rights. The couple married on 09.09.2015 at S.N.S. Mahal, Vadiveeswaram, Nagercoil. A female child was born…
Order
Sentence Suspended, Bail Granted in SC/ST Act Case: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has suspended the substantive sentence imposed on Anand in a case arising from Crime No.14 of 2021 and ordered his release on bail pending disposal of his appeal. Justice M. Nirmal Kumar passed the order on 28 September 2026 in CRL MP No.9091 of 2026 in CRL A No.672 of 2026. The petition was…
Judgment
RPG Enterprises’ Trademark Challenge Dismissed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a trademark rectification petition filed by RPG Enterprises Limited against the registration of “RPG Marble Pvt. Ltd.” in the name of RPG Marble Pvt Ltd. The petition was filed under Section 57, Trade Marks Act, 1999, challenging Registration No. 1474334, registered on 28.07.2006 in…
Order
Plea Seeking Election Expense Deposit and Five-Year Ban on Resigning MLAs Rejected: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a public interest petition seeking new restrictions on elected legislators who resign voluntarily and later seek to contest elections again. Advocate K.Suthan filed W.P.No.36274 of 2026 against the Union of India, the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil…
Order
‘If There Can Be House Wives, There Can Be House Husbands’: Marriage Dissolved by Mutual Consent: Madras High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dissolved the marriage of Dr.K.Venkatesan and Dr.V.Aarthi, who were married on 9 February 2011 at Tiruvannamalai. The couple, both doctors, had two children. Dr.Venkatesan pursued higher medical qualifications while Dr.Aarthi stayed with her parents at Theni and cared for…
Judgment
Mother Granted Permanent Custody of Daughter, Permitted to Take Child to Canada: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has granted a mother permanent custody and guardianship of her minor child and permitted her to take the child to Canada, where she lives and works. Justice P.B. Balaji passed the order on October 7, 2026, in O.P. No. 209 of 2025. The mother and father had separated following the dissolution of…
Judgment
Refuses to Recall Microplastics Labelling Order, Holds Disclosure in Packaged Water, Sugar and Salt Is Not Premature: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has refused to review or recall its 06.02.2026 order directing labelling disclosures for plastic/PET bottled drinking water, sugar and salt. The ruling was delivered on 28.09.2026 by a Bench comprising Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy. The review application was filed…
Judgment
RPG Enterprises’ Trademark Challenge Dismissed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a trademark rectification petition filed by RPG Enterprises Limited against the registration of “RPG Marble Pvt. Ltd.” in the name of RPG Marble Pvt Ltd. The petition was filed under Section 57, Trade Marks Act, 1999, challenging Registration No. 1474334, registered on 28.07.2006 in…
Judgment
PIL Challenging Tamil Nadu Gold Ring Tender to Joyalukkas Dismissed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a public interest petition challenging the award of a government contract for 4,41,667 one-gram, 22-carat gold rings under the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam scheme. The petition was filed by Raj.G, who described himself as a goldsmith, against The Tamil Nadu Medical Service…
Judgment
Land Acquisition Relief Reversed After Finding Acquisition Completed, Inquiry Ordered Into Altered A-Registers: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has allowed the State’s appeal in W.A.No.1638 of 2026 concerning land acquired in Pattanam village, Coimbatore district for a bypass road on NH-47. The dispute concerned 4.06 acres in Survey No.183/1, originally owned by Ramasamy Konar and his brother Kalimuthu Konar, which was acquired between…
Judgment
Amendment Allowing Appointment of District Judges as TN Lokayukta Secretary Upheld: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has upheld the validity of a Tamil Nadu Government amendment that permits the appointment of serving and retired District Judges from the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Service as Secretaries of the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta. The Division Bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan…
Judgment
‘It May Not Always Be Feasible to Take Wife Along’: Man Granted Divorce After 16 Years of Separation: Madras High Court ‘
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has overturned a Family Court decision refusing divorce to a 67-year-old man and has dissolved his marriage after the couple remained separated for 16 years. A Division Bench comprising Justice G.R. Swaminathan and Justice M.D. Sumathi allowed the civil miscellaneous appeal…
Judgment
Wiping a Minor’s Tears and Holding Her Hand Without Sexual Intent Does Not Constitute Sexual Assault: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court recently clarified that any physical contact during normal human interactions, such as wiping tears, holding hands, or comforting someone, does not inherently constitute sexual assault. The Court emphasized that the presence of sexual intent must be established through surrounding circumstances…
Judgment
Rise in Criminal Cases Against Lawyers Raises Concern; Bar Councils Asked to Respond on Policy Measures: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of practicing advocates facing criminal prosecutions. The Court observed that this rising trend raises institutional questions about the impact on the legal profession and the justice system. The Court has called upon the Bar Council of…
Judgment
Husband Seeking Divorce Over Wife's Accidental Hip Injury Is 'Inhumane' and Against Constitutional Values: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court recently delivered a significant judgment emphasizing that seeking divorce solely on the ground of a spouse’s physical disability or injury is contrary to constitutional values of dignity, equality, and compassion. The Court held that a person who sustains accidental injuries cannot be deemed…
Judgment
Magistrate Cannot Reassess Surrogacy Eligibility Certificate; Couple's Parenthood Plea Revived: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has ruled that a Judicial Magistrate cannot question or sit in appeal over eligibility certificates validly issued under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 while deciding applications relating to the parentage and custody of a child born through surrogacy. The Court held that such proceedings…
Judgment
State Must Ensure Dignified Disposal of Mortal Remains After Family Refuses to Receive Body in Manamadurai Custodial Death Case: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has directed the authorities in Madurai to take immediate steps for the dignified disposal of the mortal remains of Akash Delison, a 26-year-old man whose death allegedly occurred due to custodial violence. The Court passed the order after noting that the body had remained unclaimed for nearly 90…
Order
Compelling Parties in Mutual Divorce to Wait for Cooling-Off Period Will Only Increase Their Agony: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has recently emphasized that when parties to a mutual divorce clearly affirm their decision to separate, courts should not compel them to wait through the mandatory cooling-off period under Section 10A of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869. The Court observed that forcing the parties to wait for this…
Order
Tax Exemption Not Available On Inter-State Purchases Without Segregating Local Transactions: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court, in its judgment dated 01.09.2025, dismissed W\.P.No.33265 of 2007, filed by M/s. Sivakumar and Co., Erode, challenging the order passed by the Tamil Nadu Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal (Additional Bench), Coimbatore, in CTSA.No.421 of 2000. The writ was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution…
Order
Jamath Denying NOC For 'Nikah' To Eligible Muslim Woman Violates Her Right To Life Under Article 21: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has ruled that if a jurisdictional Jamath denies a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to an eligible Muslim woman for solemnising her Nikah, it amounts to a violation of her fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The…
Order
Mere Recommendation By State To Include Community In Scheduled Tribe List Cannot Be Basis To Seek Caste Certificate: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has raised serious concerns over the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to individuals from the Malayali community residing in Erode District of Tamil Nadu. The court questioned the District Collector of Erode on how such certificates were issued when the Malayali community is not…
Order
Plea Seeking FIR Against Woman For Alleged Blackmail Declined, Court Terms It 'Calculated Attempt' To Defame Her: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Shamim Ahmed, dismissed a petition filed by a man who sought criminal proceedings against a woman he accused of blackmailing him and fraudulently extracting ₹45 lakh. The Court held that the petition lacked merit, appeared to be driven by an ulterior motive,…
Order
Plea Alleging Violation Of Pollution Norms At Isha Foundation Dismissed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court, in a recent judgment, dismissed a writ petition filed by a private landowner who alleged that Isha Foundation was illegally discharging sewage and effluents into his adjacent farmland in violation of environmental norms. The case has raised important questions under the Water (Prevention and…
Order
PIL Seeking ECI's Response to Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter List Manipulation' Claim Rejected, Fine Imposed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify its stand on the allegations raised by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding voter list manipulation during the 2024 Lok Sabha General Elections. The division bench…
Order
Court Sets Aside Order Remanding DSP in SC/ST Act Case, Directs Enquiry into Alleged Misuse of Power by Trial Court Judge: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court recently quashed two suo motu orders passed by the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Kancheepuram. These orders included externment of several accused persons and remanding Deputy Superintendent of Police M. Sankar Ganesh to judicial custody. The case arose from complaints filed at…
Order
Is Governor Bound by Advice of Council of Ministers in Matters of Remission & Premature Release? Referred to Larger Bench: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has referred a significant constitutional issue to a larger bench, seeking clarity on whether the Governor is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers in matters related to remission and premature release of convicts. The court also asked under what circumstances the Governor may exercise…
Order
No Statutory Bar on Recognising More Than One Association, TN Bar Council Must Consider Plea of Nilgiris Women Lawyers Body: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court, in a significant ruling, has set aside the decision of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry which had rejected the recognition application of the Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris. The Court held that the Bar Council's view that only one bar association could be recognised in a court…
Order
'Understand Constitutional Values': Hindu Munnani Workers Asked to Write Preamble 10 Times for Pre-Arrest Bail in Hate Speech Case: Madras High Court
In a notable decision, the Madras High Court, while granting anticipatory bail to three members of the Hindu Munnani organisation, imposed a unique and educative condition. The petitioners were accused in a case related to hate speech and incitement to communal violence, with offences registered under several…
Order
Hindu Marriage Not a 'Religious Purpose', GO Allowing Use of Temple Funds for Marriage Halls Quashed: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court recently struck down a Government Order by which the Tamil Nadu State Government permitted the use of funds from five temples for constructing marriage halls. The bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice G Arul Murugan held that this decision violated the Hindu Religious and Charitable…
Police Acted in a Biased Manner; CBCID Probe Ordered Into Attack on Senior Advocate by Quarry Operators' Representatives: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has ordered a fresh investigation by the Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) into the attack on Senior Advocate V Suresh, who is also the General Secretary of the People's Union for Civil Liberties. The Court held that the investigation conducted by the State Police was not…
About the Madras High Court
The Madras High Court is one of India's oldest High Courts, established in 1862. It has jurisdiction over the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Seat
Chennai
State / UT
Tamil Nadu
Region
South India
